It seemed inevitable that the New York Yankees would come away with one of the top shortstops in free agency. They had stated that was a position of need, and that Gleyber Torres was being moved to second base. Corey Seager was viewed as the favorite to land in New York, with the Yankees bringing in yet another powerful bat for their lineup.
That might not be the case any longer. According to reports, the Yankees are not willing to pay at the top of the shortstop market, and are instead hoping that they can land one of the Big Five on a lesser deal.
New York Yankees ready to disappoint fanbase
To be fair, the Yankees do need to address other areas as well. Center field is a need, especially as Aaron Hicks is not exactly the healthiest of players. The Yankees need to address the rotation, bullpen, and first base as well, potentially pushing shortstop down the list.
That statement is not what anyone would have expected just days ago. General manager Brian Cashman had been adamant that shortstop needed to be upgraded, and with so many talented players at the position available, it seemed inevitable that they would land one of them.
Instead, the Yankees are more concerned with blocking their prospects at short. Both Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza are considered to be a year or two away from contributing at the major league level, leading to the Yankees potentially looking at a stopgap. The likes of Didi Gregorius or Elvis Andrus, as part of a Matt Olson trade, could be what they have in mind.
If that is the actual plan for shortstop, it will be a major disappointment. There is a major gulf between Gregorius and Andrus and the shortstops available in free agency. That disappointment may disappear if the Yankees land a top starter or if they extend Aaron Judge, but it is still a drastic change in approach at short.
The New York Yankees are now monitoring the shortstop position in free agency. They are setting up their fanbase for disappointment.